The National Government’s decision to merge Phillipstown and Woolstonschools is another disaster for Christchurch and proves this Government ismore interested in saving face than in what is best for children, the GreenParty said today.

“Hekia Parata’s stubborn refusal to budge on her closure plans is atragedy for the children who fought so desperately for their school to remainopen,” Green Party education spokesperson Catherine Delahunty said.

“This is about Hekia Parata trying to save face after a litany ofback-downs, U-turns and policy failures, but it’s come at the expense ofhundreds of little children and their families.

“The children of Christchurch have become a scapegoat for Hekia Parata’sincompetence.

“Even in the last few days, evidence has emerged that the second round ofconsultation over the closure plans has not been fair, or accurate.

“This is not a ‘new decision’, as the Minister claims. She went in tothis second so-called consultation process with her eyes closed and her mindmade up.

“From the very beginning Hekia Parata lost sight of what was the bestdecision for the children of Christchurch and has set out to use theearthquakes to reinforce her hard right agenda to damage and dismantle publiceducation.

“If she had really listened, and engaged in proper consultation from thebeginning, the children of Phillipstown and Woolston would have had somecertainty, instead many have found themselves fighting the very person whoshould have been working in their interests.

“The Green Party stands with the communities of Phillipstown and Woolstonand wishes them well in their attempts to do what’s best for their kids,”Ms Delahunty said.